A pet gerbil was rescued by firefighters after a tumble dryer caught fire at a home in Worthing.
A woman and two children escaped the blaze, which started in a house in Cheviot Road, Durrington, at 3.15pm on Saturday.
When a fire crew from Worthing arrived the youngsters were upset because their gerbil was still inside.
Firefighter Paul Gilbert said: "We rescued it after putting out the blaze. The children were pleased as punch.
"The smoke alarm saved the family and the pet."
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